The Count's fingers unconsciously tapped the table: "So, your suggestion is?"

"Cut off the supply of Magic Stone Fragments." Edmund said bluntly, his voice trembling slightly due to internal struggle:

"Father, Ron has been in the Black Mist Jungle for almost a year. If he had any potential, he should have shown it by now. Continuing to deplete the family's resources will only..."

"He is your own brother!" The Count suddenly raised his voice: "Have you forgotten how you used to protect him back then?"

A complex emotion flashed in Edmund's eyes.

Indeed, as the eldest brother, he was almost infinitely tolerant of his youngest brother Ron in their childhood.

Even when Ron got drunk and caused a scandal at a noble ball, it was Edmund who stepped in to clean up the mess, carried his brother home, and shielded him from their father's wrath.

"Father, of course, I remember these things." Edmund's voice was low:

"But now is not the time to make decisions based on personal feelings. The livelihood of hundreds in the family hangs by a thread. We've already given enough for Ron; those Magic Stone Fragments..."

Edmund shook his head with a bitter smile: "You know very well that in our Kingdom, a complete Magic Stone could buy a large castle. Even fragments are extraordinarily valuable. They only condense at specific Spirit Vein intersections, and in our Mortal Realm, there are almost no Spirit Veins."

He opened the account book in his hand: "Last month, we had to use the equivalent of thousands of Gold Coins from the family assets to get ten Magic Stone Fragments. Even so, I've found out that only six or seven pieces reach Ron each time."

The Count looked up sharply: "What do you mean?"

"That cunning Hawkins..." Edmund sneered:

"I suspect he's skimming a portion for himself, but we have no concrete evidence and can't do anything about it. After all, he's the royal-appointed Messenger with plenty of backing."

The Count's expression darkened, and silence spread through the study, broken only by the occasional faint crackle from the fireplace.

After a long pause, the Count sighed deeply: "I understand now. Maybe you're right, Edmund. We do need to think about the whole family."

He stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the withered fields outside the manor:

"Starting next month, no... preparations have already been made for this month, so from the month after next... let's suspend our support for Ron."

The instant he spoke these words, the Count seemed to age considerably, his shoulders slightly hunched, as if bearing an invisible burden.

Edmund was about to say something when a hurried knock came from the door.

"My Lord!" The butler's voice came through the door, carrying an unusual excitement: "A Royal Envoy has come, saying there is an urgent matter!"

The Count and Edmund exchanged a glance, both seeing confusion and caution in each other's eyes.

An unexpected arrival of a Royal Envoy usually signified something of great importance.

Count Ralph and Edmund hurried to the hall, only to find a man clad in a black velvet cloak standing there, bearing the Crown Badge symbolizing royalty on his chest.

The envoy, seemingly in his early thirties, had a stiff demeanor and stood straight like a sword, clearly of military background.

"Honorable Count Ralph." The envoy performed a standard courtly bow, his voice deep and strong:

"I am Orlando Wilson, Envoy of His Majesty, here by royal decree."

After the Count returned the greeting, he gestured for the visitor to sit: "May I know what brings you here, Lord Wilson?"

Orlando sat and took the teacup handed to him by a maid, though he did not take a sip: "Count, I come with two significant matters."

He set down the teacup and spoke solemnly: "First, news regarding your fifth son, young master Ron Ralph."

The Count looked up suddenly, tension flashing in his eyes: "Ron? What has happened to him?"

"According to reports from the Black Mist Jungle, young master Ron has successfully passed the Elementary Apprentice qualification test and officially become an Elementary Apprentice."

Orlando's voice carried a hint of respect:

"What's surprising to everyone is that, although his Initial Spiritual Power was only rated a Sixth-class Star, he achieved a breakthrough in less than ten months. The Black Mist School holds him in high regard, deeming his potential as 'Middle Potential' level."

This news struck the hall like a bolt of lightning, leaving the Count and Edmund stunned, struggling to process this sudden, astonishing turn of events.

"This... this is impossible!" Edmund blurted out instinctively: "Ron, he... his potential..."

Orlando smiled slightly: "In the world of Wizards, anything is possible, young master Edmund. It's said that young master Ron has demonstrated rare talent in Magic Potion Making and is now Lady Allen's assistant and has caught the attention of Advanced Apprentice Holt."

Though the Count was not very familiar with these names, he knew they must belong to extraordinary figures, and a sense of indescribable pride and relief welled up within him.

Seeing the smile on his father's face, Edmund could not help but feel a surge of joy as well.

Since childhood, he had loved his youngest brother dearly, and although Ron had often acted out when he was with the family, their familial bond had never faded.

"And the second matter?" After emotions had slightly calmed, the Count asked.

Orlando's expression turned serious: "It concerns the Messenger Hawkins, whom you entrusted to deliver the Magic Stone Fragments."

He took out a letter sealed with the royal insignia from his bosom:

"Upon investigation, Hawkins has been skimming the Magic Stone Fragments you sent to young master Ron over the past few months. According to royal law, he has been executed and his family sentenced to slavery."

As he spoke, he signaled to his attendant, who brought forward a box, revealing within the severed head of a man wearing a pained expression...

Seeing the somewhat familiar face in the box, the Count and Edmund's expressions changed simultaneously.

Both had endured numerous battles as Knights, so it wasn't the bloody preserved head that shocked them.

They were merely taken aback by how decisively the royal family acted, so promptly executing Hawkins and thoroughly resolving any loose ends concerning his family.

"More importantly," Orlando continued, "Upon learning of this, young master Ron generously expressed his willingness to return the Magic Stone Fragments that were withheld over these months to the Ralph Clan in an equivalent exchange arranged through the School."

He received a hefty box from an accompanying servant and respectfully placed it on the hall table:

"Inside are twenty thousand Pure Gold Coins and deeds to two shops in the Royal Capital East District. These are the properties young master Ron designated to return to the family after exchanging the withheld Magic Stone Fragments at the School."

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